The Oregon Department of Corrections was created by the 64th Legislative Assembly in June 1987, and operates under ORS chapter 423. The department’s mission originates in the Oregon Constitution, which was amended in November 1996, to say, “Laws for the punishment of crimes shall be founded on these principles: protection of society, personal responsibility, accountability for one’s actions and reformation.” The department has custody of offenders sentenced to prison for more than 12 months. Oregon houses offenders in 14 state prisons; one new prison broke ground in 2002.

The Oregon Department of Corrections is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing inmates with the cognitive, behavioral and job skills they need to become productive citizens. Oregon’s recidivism rate is about 30 percent.

To further focus on safe communities, safe prisons, and a safe workplace, the department created the Oregon Accountability Model. This purposeful plan is designed to change offenders’ criminal behavior - during incarceration and post-prison supervision - using evaluation, education, treatment and work. It begins at the assessment phase during intake and affects offenders throughout incarceration, reintegration, and their time on community supervision. It is inspired by the department’s mission of public safety, offender accountability, and crime prevention.

Because of a rapidly growing inmate population, the state embarked on an ambitious prison construction and expansion program in 1995. The construction schedule is timed to meet the forecasted demand for beds. As of 2008, the prison population numbers 14,300; two new prisons have been opened since 2000 and major expansions of several others have been completed or are in process. The population is expected to top 15,000 inmates by 2011.

The Department of Corrections provides administrative oversight and funding for the community corrections activities of Oregon’s 36 counties. Oregon counties manage their own offenders who are subject to jail, parole, post-prison supervision and/or probation. The department provides interstate compact administration and jail inspections as well as central information and data services regarding felons statewide. It is also responsible for evaluating the performance of community corrections.

The department’s culture is driven by integrity, respect and teamwork guided by a strong vision that includes leadership, partnerships, and productivity. Department staff are actively involved in their communities, serving on commissions, participating in volunteer organizations, coaching kids’ teams and otherwise giving their time to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians.

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for the management and administration of all adult correctional institutions and other functions related to state programs for adult corrections. It has seven major divisions and a strong relationship with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, a semi-independent state agency.